McLaren’s $372,600 675LT Spider Is Fast, Rawr
McLaren has just unveiled a new, convertible supercar that driving enthusiasts will love … but dermatologist will hate. It’s the 675LT “Longtail” Spider and it might be the best new way to damage both your skin and your ear drums … while simultaneously having the time of your life. Let me explain.
McLaren’s 675LT Coupe, the hardtop version of the 675LT unveiled earlier this year, is a stunning, life-changing machine. But it has one major flaw: From behind its wheel, while being exposed to evocative exhaust sounds and equilibrium-scrambling acceleration, you’re never going to get a tan. And, let’s be honest, that’s a big shortcoming.
Thankfully, McLaren has recognized this glaring omission and ripped off the roof, Spider-izing the British ‘Longtail’ supercar, creating the 675LT Spider.
Just like the “standard” 675LT, the Spider features a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 that produces 666 horsepower (I’ll spare you the devil jokes) as well as 516 pound-feet of torque. I understand those numbers might be meaningless. So let me put it this way. With the engine churning at full rev, it will spring to 62 mph from a standstill in 2.9 seconds onto 124 mph in just 5.2 seconds later.
If that weren’t quick enough, with the push of a button, it’ll transform from Coupe to Spider, as the mechanically retractable metal roof folds away in just 19 seconds. Meaning that you’re less than 20 seconds away from starting your next tan, albeit on your face and neck.
Amazingly, since McLaren fancies itself a technology company first and a carmaker second, it’s figured a way to squeeze efficiency as well as immense power from the engine. That results in the car receiving an EPA-rated 18 mpg. That might sound low, but most cars with this much power return fuel economy figures in the single digits. So, given that, this is like the Prius of supercars … OK, that’s not a fair comparison. But you get it.
I do have a bit of bad news about this car, I’m afraid; McLaren will only be building 500 examples. If that alone didn’t make it wholly unlikely you’ll ever get your hands on one, pricing starts at $372,600. That means you’ll not only have to be well connected but well monied as well, in order to get one.
I know, it’s disappointing knowing you’ll probably never own the 675LT Spider. But at least think about it this way: That news makes your dermatologist very happy.
